Civilian nuclear energy use was the main event at the 38th annual conference of the Israeli Society for Ecology and Environmental Sciences at Ben Gurion University of the Negev this week. The panel on the "Future use of nuclear energy for the generation of electricity" examined environmental aspects of nuclear power plants as part of Israel's energy structure in view of pending restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. Discussion centered on when to begin the process for setting up a nuclear power plant.
More than 500 researchers, policymakers, and professional attended the conference. Topics included Israel's water sources, desalination and the quality of drinking water, land reform and its impact on open spaces, environmental economy, Israel and global warming, and renewable energy sources.
Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) CEO Amos Lasker and the Gertner Institute's Center for Risk Analysis director Dr. Eli Stern argued that Israel must begin now the planning process for a nuclear power station, because of the long timetable involved.
Conversely, former Ministry of Environmental Protection director general Dr. Shmuel Brenner and Israel Energy ForumIsrael Energy Forum director Yael Cohen-Paran called for energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources.
All the panelists said that a public debate should be held. Brenner noted, however, that the lack of transparency at the Israel Atomic Energy Committee hindered a public debate on the issue.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 24, 2010
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